Germany's Wadephul campaigns for UN Security Council seat in New York

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is to step up Berlin's campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Councily, ahead of a vote in the UN General Assembly on June 3.

Wadephul is due to meet ambassadors from UN member states in New York to promote Germany's candidacy for the 2027–2028 term, including a breakfast meeting focused on challenges to multilateralism.

Afterwards, he is scheduled to present Germany's bid to representatives of African countries, a key voting bloc at the United Nations with 54 members. Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia currently hold non-permanent seats on the council.

Germany has backed African calls for reform of the Security Council, including demands for at least two permanent seats with veto power and additional non-permanent representation.

The vote in the General Assembly will be held by secret ballot. Germany has previously served six times on the council and has run regularly for a seat since reunification in 1990.

The government is seeking to expand its influence on major international issues, including efforts to resolve conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. However, Germany faces competition for the seat from Austria and Portugal, which are also considered strong contenders.

Wadephul is expected to meet Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, for talks likely to cover Iran and Ukraine. Shortly before returning to Germany, he is also due to meet UN Secretary General António Guterres.